Valtteri Bottas says he's taken 'necessary measures' to prepare for the Malaysian Grand Prix after missing the Formula 1 season opener with a back injury

Valtteri Bottas says he has taken 'the necessary measures' to be ready for the Malaysian Grand Prix after missing the Formula 1 season opener in Australia due to a back injury.

The Williams driver was forced to sit out the Australian Grand Prix after being taken to hospital with back pains after initially qualifying sixth for the first race of the 2015 F1 season.

The Finn was diagnosed with a small tear in the annular part of the disc in his lower back and was forced to miss but feels he is recovering sufficiently enough to be ready to race at Sepang this weekend.

"After Melbourne I have stayed in Asia to acclimatise to the hot conditions and adjust to the right time zone," Bottas said. "I trained a lot over the winter to prepare for these physically difficult conditions. After such a frustrating Sunday in Australia, I have taken the necessary measures to make sure I arrive in Malaysia fit to race and ready to bring the results home."

Bottas will need to pass an FIA medical check at the circuit before being given the green light to race this weekend.

Williams is yet to officially confirm who would replace Bottas in Malaysia if he was unable to race, but the team are giving the Finn the longest-possible recovery period before making a final decision.

Bottas also feels that although the high humidity in Kuala Lumpur are not ideal racing conditions the Finn is still anticipating a competitive Grand Prix.

"As always, Malaysia is a very hot and humid race, and although these aren't the ideal conditions for the car we have had some exciting races in Sepang over the years," Bottas added. "There is also always a risk of rain which we have to be aware of, but it brings some more spice in the suspense."

Bottas's best career finish in Malaysia was last year's eighth place, despite starting 15th on the grid after being handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Daniel Ricciardo during qualifying.